Cruise ship rescues 345, believed Syrian refugees, stranded off Cyprus

A cruise ship rescued more than 300 people, apparently refugees who fled Syria, who were stranded Thursday aboard a small boat off Cyprus. Cypriot Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou said Cyprus will host the people until authorities determine what will happen to them according to international laws and regulations. The Cypriot Defence Ministry said the 345 people, including 52 children, will be taken to a reception centre near the capital Nicosia where they will be given shelter and medical attention.

The ship probably comes from Syria with civilian refugees.

Cyprus defense ministry statement

The ship docked Thursday at the east Mediterranean island’s main Limassol port. Salamis Cruise Lines Managing Director Kikis Vasiliou said that one of its cruise ships was instructed to change course and pick up the people packed aboard the smaller vessel. The Defence Ministry said the boat issued a distress call early Thursday amid bad weather and had “most likely” set sail from Syria loaded with “civilian refugees.” Vasiliou said the company received the request from Cypriot Search and Rescue authorities to assist in the rescue operation Thursday morning while the cruise ship was returning to Cyprus from the Greek islands.

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